2003 · 21 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2003 Lotus Elise MOT pass rate and common faults

278 MOT tests in 2024. 84.9% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

148Well above average
Passed first time84.9%
Failed or needed repairs15.1%
Typical mileage at test51,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 278 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits2.9%
  2. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits2.2%
  3. Headlamp aim: too high1.4%
  4. Registration plates: does not conform to the specified requirements1.4%
  5. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits1.1%
  6. Service brake performance: excessively binding1.1%
  7. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements1.1%
  8. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid1.1%
  9. Catalyst emissions: hydrocarbon content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits1.1%
  10. Catalyst emissions: hydrocarbon content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits1.1%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Emissions & leaks11.2%
  2. Lights & electrics9.4%
  3. Brakes5.4%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)2.9%
  5. Number plates & VIN1.8%
  6. Steering1.4%
  7. Tyres1.1%
  8. Body & chassis1.1%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm5.4%
  2. Non-component advisories: Play in steering rack inner joint(s)4.7%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened3.6%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure2.2%
  5. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak1.8%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 Lotus Elise?

In 2024, 84.9% of 2003 Lotus Elise cars passed their MOT first time, across 278 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2003 Lotus Elise?

The most common failure reasons were catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits; headlamp aim: too high. The biggest problem area was emissions & leaks.

Is the 2003 Lotus Elise reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 148, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).